We are thrilled to have acquired Kopter Group.

Acquiring Kopter has allowed Leonardo to gain an outstanding new generation product – the SH09, rebranded AW09, an innovative engineering approach as well as excellent skills and people.

It brings the opportunity to boost the large single-engine civil market by offering a new, extremely competitive and attractive platform, complementing the AW119.

It also expands Leonardo’s international footprint and reach. It brings the Swiss citizenship on top of our Italian, UK, Polish and US ones, as well as a highly experienced and diversified team.

As we are progressively integrating Kopter into Leonardo Helicopters, I am strongly encouraging a “cross-pollination” of expertise, skills and cultures between Leonardo Helicopters and Kopter. It is a two-way process. We will all benefit from complementary characteristics, contributing to our overall competitiveness.

Kopter will remain an autonomous legal entity and will act as a competence centre for new light helicopters, developing future advanced technologies, especially in the areas of hybrid/electrical propulsion.

For now, our top priority is to successfully complete the certification and entry into service of the AW09, which the market highly expects. I have full confidence that the Kopter teams, will effectively drive this process with the support of their Leonardo colleagues.

We look forward to best serving the helicopter market together!